Tool Assembly Locking Mechanism for Oil and Gas Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching external components to tools in oil and gas exploration, such as sleeves and stabilizers, face challenges with axial and rotational forces, vibrations, and the risk of incorrect assembly, particularly in environments with exposed metal burrs and limited space, where traditional screw and bolt connectors are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
The use of a locking mechanism with complementary mating protrusions and recesses (merlons and crenels) that positively interlock the body and sleeve axially and rotationally, ensuring a strong and secure attachment without the need for screws or bolts, utilizing a sliding and rotational assembly method with a locking device to prevent incorrect assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional screw and bolt connectors are used to attach external components to the tool body, then the assembly method is simple and familiar, but the connection strength is insufficient to withstand axial and rotational forces and vibrations in the downhole environment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into multiple functional elements: the tool body with external protrusions, the sleeve with internal recesses, and the locking means with engaging features. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to the overall connection strength while maintaining a relatively simple individual structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from simple axial insertion to a two-stage process involving both axial movement and rotational engagement. The locking means engages in a rotational dimension after axial insertion, creating a more robust connection that resists both axial and rotational forces.
2Reliability
If screw and bolt connectors are used, then assembly is straightforward, but vibrations may assist in backing out bolts and unscrewing screws, thereby loosening tool components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means features asymmetric engaging structures with protrusions and recesses that fit together in a specific orientation. This asymmetry prevents the locking means from disengaging under vibrational forces, as the components can only move in the locked configuration, not in reverse.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary alignment features that guide the locking means into the correct engagement position during assembly. This preliminary action ensures proper orientation before final locking, eliminating the need for complex adjustment procedures and reducing assembly errors.
3Strength
If a strong locking mechanism is implemented to withstand large forces, then connection strength improves, but the device becomes more complex and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed to nest within the sleeve structure, with the locking features integrated into the sleeve's internal geometry. This nesting approach allows the locking mechanism to occupy minimal additional space while providing robust connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: axial positioning, rotational locking, and force transmission. By merging these functions into one element rather than using separate components, the overall connector space is reduced while maintaining connection strength.
4Reliability
If conventional connectors are used, then assembly is simple, but there is a risk that screws and bolts may be forgotten or incorrectly assembled
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed to be self-aligning and self-latching. The asymmetric protrusions and recesses automatically guide the components into the correct engagement position during assembly, and the locking features engage automatically when properly positioned, eliminating the need for operator judgment or multiple assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary alignment features that guide the locking means into the correct engagement position during assembly. This preliminary action ensures proper orientation before final locking, eliminating the need for complex adjustment procedures and reducing assembly errors.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, comprising a body extending in an axial direction, a sleeve for the body, and locking means for locking the body and the sleeve. The body and the sleeve comprise complementary mating protrusions and recesses configured to positively interlock the body and the sleeve in the axial direction and configured to positively interlock the body and the sleeve rotationally by the locking means positively engaging the recesses in both the body and the sleeve. A method for fixing axially and rotationally a sleeve to a body, wherein the body extends in an axial direction, comprising the steps of: sliding in the axial direction the sleeve onto the body, positively interlocking the body and the sleeve in the axial direction by rotating the sleeve relative to the body, and positively interlocking the body and the sleeve rotationally by sliding in the axial direction locking means into the body and the sleeve, the locking means comprising extensions positively engaging recesses in both the body and the sleeve. Use of the apparatus or method as above for attaching external tool elements or tool components for operations done in connection with open holes, risers, marine risers, wellbores, casings, or liners.